Gov’t recruits more Blue Water Guards Against Galamsey

President John Dramani Mahama has announced an additional GH¢400 million allocation in the 2027 Budget to recruit more Blue Water Guards to intensify the fight against illegal mining, particularly on Ghana’s water bodies.

Speaking on efforts to combat galamsey, the President said the additional funding would support patrols on rivers and help prevent illegal miners from operating on water bodies.

He explained that authorities had directed the destruction of changfan machines seized during operations, adding that several machines had already been destroyed and major river channels cleared of such equipment.

However, the President noted that pollution remained a challenge because mud and silt from tributaries continued to flow into the main rivers, even after the main channels had been cleared.

On illegal mining in forest reserves, Mr Mahama said progress had been made in addressing activities in nine reserves classified as red zones due to the extensive destruction recorded there.

He also raised concerns about the dangers faced by forest guards, revealing that some illegal miners were heavily armed and had attacked guards during operations, resulting in the deaths of some personnel.

The President stressed the importance of collaboration with traditional authorities, particularly chiefs, to strengthen efforts to protect forest reserves and water bodies from illegal mining.

The proposed funding is expected to support the government’s ongoing efforts to curb galamsey and protect the country’s natural resources.

By Agnes Kusi